DSM in Electrical & Electronics

Akulon polyamide 6: More robust, greater productivity

Akulon®
polyamide compounds (PA6 and PA66) are ideal for the E&E industry,
not least because we offer a range of halogen-free grades. The robust
performance of this material - and particularly the compliance of
various grades to IEC and UL standards, color stability and productivity
benefits - make it ideal for applications ranging from MCB housings to connectors.

Our expertise in polymers in general - and Akulon in particular - comes from a long history as a leading producer of polyamide resins supported by our backwards-integrated global position in Caprolactam - the raw material for Polyamide 6.

For example, in the E&E market we know that customers increasingly demand materials that are flame retardant according to IEC or UL standards and are halogen free – so this is what we provide through our Akulon family. Akulon provides extremely robust performance in terms of UL94V, glow wire, electrical performance and color stability. This is coupled with an excellent balance of design flexibility, easy processing and outstanding properties over a wide temperature range.

Our Akulon® Ultraflow™ grade offers even greater benefits, enabling manufacturers to produce at lower temperatures, which in turn leads to less mold deposits, less maintenance and of course lower costs. Furthermore in connectors, where miniaturization is a defining trend in E&E, Akulon Ultraflow enables thinner walled parts thanks to its superior flow properties.

Akulon Grades

Akulon Polyamide 6 is available in reinforced and non-reinforced types that can be used in applications ranging from connectors and sockets to lighting drivers. Within the Akulon compound portfolio we offer unique halogen-free grades, ideally suited to E&E applications.

Akulon Ultraflow offers up to 80% improved flow and up to 25% reduction in injection molding cycle times versus regular Polyamide 6 grades. In E&E in particular it requires less back pressure which in turn enables you to use either smaller equipment; or produce larger volumes with existing equipment.